Frequently Asked Questions

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has funding available for water and wastewater projects from both state and federal programs. Each of these programs has its own requirements and limitations. Our purpose here is to provide an overview of what can be done without getting into specifics of each program.

What sort of projects does the Department fund?

• Public Water supply, treatment and distribution systems
• Sewer collection and treatment systems
• Solid waste collection or disposal
• Irrigation (water conservation)
• Flood Control and drainage
• Erosion and sediment control
• Agricultural Best Management Practices (Non-point Source pollution prevention)

Who is eligible to receive funds?

• Cities
• Towns
• Counties
• Rural Development Authorities
• Public Facilities Boards
• Water Associations
• Improvement Districts
• Regional Water Distribution Districts
• Levee and Drainage Districts
• Conservation Districts
• Regional Solid Waste Authorities
• Regional Wastewater Treatment Districts

How much is available? 
Funds may be used for new or existing systems. Generally, funds must be used for capital improvement projects and not maintenance projects.
The Department has funded projects which includes but not limited to amounts of $5,000 up to $50,000,000.

Is there a deadline for applying?

Yes, there is a deadline for application submission.

Completed applications must be received at least 60 days before the commission date. A completed application will include all attachments referenced in the application.  Please review each item carefully before submitting, and contact ANRC staff if you have questions. Incomplete applications will be returned to the sender for correction and must be resubmitted for consideration.

Below is a list of upcoming due dates:

What specific programs does the Department get funds from?
The Department currently administers three federal and three state programs that provide financial assistance through loans and grants for water and wastewater projects. Each program has different criteria for funding.

Do I have to apply for money from a specific program?
Each applicant fills out a general funding application and ANRC staff will determine which program best fits your community's needs. Determination of need may depend on things such as priority of project, income level of persons that will benefit from project and the current user rates.

Are there other sources of funds I could use for this project?
Yes. You should also contact USDA - Rural Utilities Service Water & Wastewater Disposal Programs at (501)- 301-3268 and Communities Unlimited's Water and Wastewater Loan Program at (501) 228-7197.

What do I have to do to get started?
You must file a funding application, a Signatory Authority Resolution, and submit your project to the Water/Wastewater Advisory Committee for review. Click here to find these forms.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact:

Leah Johannes
Program Fiscal Manager
Arkansas Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Division
10421 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205
Office (501) 682-0549
Fax (501) 682-0561
Leah.M.Johannes@agriculture.arkansas.gov